River Guide 2019 by Cruise Adviser

RIVER GUIDE 2019

THE STAND-OUT STOPS OF

RIVER CRUISE

Exploring the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inland waterways in 2019

Cruise the Bordeaux Waterways Enjoy the famous wine-growing region on a river cruise

HIGHLIGHTS • Choose from 5, 6, 7 or 8 day cruise itineraries • All meals and drinks included • River facing cabins • Enjoy a wide sampling of Bordeaux wines and discovery excursions

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CroisiEurope

Best River Line Itineraries

MS CYRANO DE BERGERAC

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: ✆ 0208 3281 281 - resuk@croisieurope.com www.croisieurope.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

Diverse offerings on the world’s waterways

THREE THINGS WE’VE LEARNT ABOUT RIVER CRUISE P12

RIVER GUIDE 2019

It’s been a year since we last produced a cruise adviser river guide and, in that time, the sector has continued to see its stock rise, with more Brits taking to the rivers than ever before. Just last month, Viking launched another seven river ships in Basel, while CroisiEurope RIVER CRUISE launched another ship on the Douro. A-Rosa will follow suit at the end of the month and Wendy Wu has just launched a ship on the Mekong. Although, of course, even all these ships put together don’t add up to the capacity of, say, an MSC Bellissima, they represent a continued success story. River cruise is often seen as separate to the rest of the cruise industry, and in many ways it is – while there is crossover from ocean to river, they are very different holidays. Some river cruisers will never fancy an ocean cruise and vice versa. While the big two European rivers – the Danube and the Rhine – continue to dominate the market (and this shows no sign of changing), there are plenty of rivers offering something a bit different, and cruise lines continue to make their products stand out by moving in different directions. On p23, we look at three options – affordable, expensive and extravagant – on four of the most popular rivers: the Seine, Danube, Rhône and Douro. We’ve also got a Ports of Call feature on Vienna, one the Danube’s most incredible stops (p16) and a detailed look at a river that couldn’t be more different to its European counterparts, the Mississippi (p19). We hope you enjoy reading, and good luck selling. THE STAND-OUT STOPS OF

Exploring the world’s inland waterways in 2019

If you would like to receive another copy of this guide for your office, just email info@cruise adviser.com with the subject line ‘River Guide 2019’ and we’ll send one (or more) out

DEMAND IS BOOMING

Passenger numbers rose by 21 per cent in 2017, with Europe still the most popular destination for river cruise

P16

VIENNA CRUISES GET MUSICAL

Cruises to the spiritual home of classical music often treat guests to a special concert included in the price

P19

MORE SHIPS CRUISE THE MISSISSIPPI

Viking Cruises is set to join the lines cruising Ol’ Man River as operators there ramp up their fleets and itineraries

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Contents RIVER GUIDE 2019 3

Editor’s letter

News Viking names seven new Longships; CroisiEurope inaugurates its latest vessel on the Douro

Infographic Th gures Thee facts and fi figures behind the buoyant river cruise market

Ports of call: Vienna A look at the Austrian capital, the artistic and architectural wonder that is one of the highlights of any Danube cruise

River focus: Mississippi Emily Eastman profi les profiles the waterway that is the lifeblood of the Midwest and Southern states of the US, and inextricably linked to their history

Budgeting for river cruise A look at aff ordable, affordable, expensive and extravagant options on four of the most popular European rivers: the Rhône, Rhine, Danube and Seine

This River Guide is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing

The beautiful city of Vienna (p16) and (below) vineyards at sunrise in Beaujolais, Rhône (p23)

Sales executive Bryan Johnson bryan@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9338 Sales manager Emily Norris emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815

Publisher Sam Ballard sam@waterfront-publishing.com

Graphic Designer Matthew Coles

Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@waterfront-publishing.com

Sub-editors Nathaniel Cramp, Emily Eastman

Waterfront Publishing, 12-18 Hoxton Street, London N1 6NG info@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9360 River Guide is published once a year by Waterfront Publishing Limited (registered number: 08707515). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited

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VIKING CRUISES

Viking launches seven new Longships on European rivers

The leading river cruise line named the new ships – which will sail on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Douro – simultaneously at a ceremony in Basel last month Viking River Cruises held a naming ceremony for seven new Longships on the Rhine at Basel, Switzerland last month. The line invited seven loyal employees to be godmothers of the new ships, including managing director of Viking UK, Wendy Atkin-Smith, who was named as godmother to Viking Sigrun, set to sail the Rhine Getaway itinerary between Basel and Amsterdam. The other ships – Viking Einar, Viking Sigyn, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur and Viking Vali – CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

will sail Viking’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The seventh new ship, Viking Helgrim, has been built specifically for the Douro River, bringing the company’s total number of sister ships in Portugal to four. With eco-friendly hybrid engines producing less vibration, the 135m Longships include 95 outside staterooms, a sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded seating area, organic herb garden and solar panels, and the Aquavit Terrace

and Lounge – an indoor/ outdoor viewing area that utilises the space at the bow of the ship for al fresco dining. “It is ‘The Viking Difference’ that has made us the leading river cruise line in the world – and has helped river cruise become one of the fastestgrowing segments of travel,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. He also revealed that two-thirds of Viking’s revenue comes from river cruise and the company is “financially very strong”. 7

CROISIEUROPE

CroisiEurope’s latest ship inaugurated

MS Amália Rodrigues, named after the great cultural ambassador of Portugal, joins the CroisiEurope fleet

CroisiEurope’s latest ship, the MS Amália Rodrigues, has been inaugurated in Porto. The ship is the sixth to join CroisiEurope’s fleet on the Douro and is its third premiumrated ship on the Golden River. MS Amália Rodrigues can accommodate 132 passengers in 66 double-occupancy cabins, including four suites and a cabin for guests with reduced mobility. There is also a spacious lounge, panoramic restaurant, a shop, a large sun deck, a swimming pool and a crew of 25. Furnished and decorated in Strasbourg, the ship has a contemporary feel, featuring colours and shapes of the Mediterranean along with

plenty of natural lighting and open spaces, designer furniture and stylish, sleek décor. The ship’s godmother is Dr Maria Alexandrina Quaresma of the Amália Rodrigues Foundation. Amália Rodrigues was known as the ‘Queen of Fado’ and was instrumental in popularising fado worldwide. The ship’s godfather is Dr Marco Martins, mayor of the city of Gondomar, which regularly welcomes CroisiEurope’s ships in its port. All-inclusive cruise-only prices on MS Amália Rodrigues start from £791 per person for a six-day cruise round trip from Porto including all meals and drinks as well as entertainment and a gala evening.

PANDAW New K-class ship announced for Myanmar Pandaw has announced that it is constructing a brand new K-class ship for Myanmar (formerly Burma). The 14-cabin vessel has been ordered so Pandaw can meet the demand on the Upper Irrawaddy, Chindwin and Delta expeditions after the departure of three ships to India. In the tradition of naming ships after original Irrawaddy Flotilla vessels, the new ship is to be named the Kanee Pandaw, and is being built in the line’s own yard in Mandalay. It will carry mountain bikes and is being aimed at a younger demographic and families.

SCENIC New downloadable Tailormade app launched Scenic has launched its Scenic Tailormade app, which features an audio guide system that enables guests to explore destinations independently. Tailormade originally launched in 2013 with handheld devices. The next-generation app is compatible with Apple and Android and offers guests a choice of more than 240 tour options in over 140 locations. Nichola Absalom, head of marketing at Scenic UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be sharing this new app with our guests.”

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CLIA

Clia hosts river cruise crusades The trade organisation set up the events to help spread the word about the growing river sector Clia UK & Ireland recently completed its first ever River Cruise Crusade. The events, which were held in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Ipswich, gave agents the opportunity to meet operators,

listen to a panel discussion and take part in a quiz hosted by cruise adviser. Cruise lines in attendance included CroisiEurope, Riviera, Saga, Scenic and Fred River Cruises. The river industry grew by 21 per cent in 2017, according

to numbers released by Clia – with about 210,400 UK passengers taking a river cruise. Clia will also be holding three luxury and expedition showcases in October in Belfast (October 8), Manchester (9) and Norwich (10).

AVALON

FRED OLSEN

AMAWATERWAYS

New shorter itineraries to tempt newcomers

Danube and Luxembourg maiden sailings in 2020

UK wine host joins on-board connoisseurs

Avalon Waterways is to offer shorter itineraries for travellers wanting to try out river cruise. From 2020, passengers can travel on an all-suite fleet with a choice of four-, five- and sixday river cruise itineraries. Taste of the Rhine is a five-day cruise exploring the must-see sites along the Rhine; the six-day Heart of Germany features stops along the Main River and Main-Danube Canal; and the new four-day A Taste of the Danube takes in Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Dürnstein and Vienna from just £840pp.

Fred Olsen River Cruises has launched a new programme for 2020 on board Brabant. The 156-passenger ship will make maiden sailings into Luxembourg and cruises of the Danube Delta in 2020. The ship will also make inaugural calls at Trier and Nierstein in Germany; Cetate, Galaţi and DobretaTurnu Severin in Romania; Donji Milanovac in Serbia; Enkhuizen in the Netherlands; and Vukovar in Croatia. Each cruise will incorporate daytime scenic cruising and a new enrichment programme.

Luxury line AmaWaterways has announced that its team of connoisseurs will be joined by the UK wine host William Betts. Betts will share his expertise on the Medieval Treasures wine cruise from Basel to Nuremberg on August 15, 2019. He said: “A river cruise is my ideal way to understand the wines of this region. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy drifting between vineyards, quickly enough to understand the whole region and slowly enough to understand its individual terroirs.”

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For more information or to book contact your dedicated trade team agencysales@scenic.co.uk | Call reservations on 0808 115 0463 Terms & Conditions: Offers are valid for new 2020 bookings, made before 30 April 2019. 2020 cruises at 2019 prices offer is based on the full release 2019 brochure price before any promotional discounts were applied. ^Private door-to-door transfers are complimentary within a 75 mile radius and are subject to availability. For guests who live outside of this 75 mile radius, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged thereafter, UK mainland only. *All beverages except a very small number of fine, rare & vintage wines, champagnes & spirits. We reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. See scenic. co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.

Boutique river cruising through the heart of Europe

2020 RIVER CRUISES AT 2019 PRICES Plus, save up to £1,000 per couple and enjoy €250 per cabin to spend on board

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■ Return flights from a choice of up to 15 UK regional airports

■ Stylish accommodation on board our innovative Star-Ships.

■ All on-board meals including a collection of highlight dinners.

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Cruise from £1,395 per person

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■ All airport taxes and port charges. ■ ABTA & ATOL protected.

For more information or to book contact your dedicated trade team agencysales@emeraldwaterways.co.uk | Call reservations on 0808 115 0469 Terms & Conditions: Prices correct at time of going to print (March 2019) The 2020 cruises at 2019 prices offer is based on the same cruise departing at a similar time year on year and is based on the full brochure prices, before discounts and promotional offers have been applied. The up to £1,000 per couple saving is based on the full brochure price and the €250 on board spend is per cabin. The €250 on board spend will be deducted from your final bill upon departure. Offer valid until 30th April 2019 for new 2020 European river cruise bookings only. Our offers are not combinable and we reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. Our 2020 itineraries, hotels, dates and inclusions are subject to change. †The Emerald Radiance on the river Douro does not have bicycles or and indoor pool, instead there is a spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck. For full terms and conditions visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. E&OE.

INFOGRAPHIC

The buoyant growth of river cruise Cruising on inland waterways is becoming more and more popular. It’s the ideal entry point for new-tocruise customers who may be wary of going on an ocean vessel; it’s also perfect for younger travellers looking for easy access to multiple city-centre locations. In fact, whatever you want, it’s highly likely that there’s a river cruise for it – as these figures from Clia’s River Cruise Review illustrate.

SOURCES: CLIA UK & IRELAND RIVER CRUISE REVIEW

RECORD GROWTH FOR RIVER CRUISE

21%

It was another year of record growth for the river cruise sector in 2017; passenger numbers rose by 21 per cent and total bed nights were up by 24 per cent against 2016 PASSENGER NUMBERS

2016

174,400

2017

passengers

210,400 passengers

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

90%

of bookings are for European river cruises

RIVERS OF EUROPE

62%

Cruises in central and western Europe accounted for almost two-thirds of all river cruise bookings, with the Rhine and Danube leading the way. However, it was eastern and southern Europe that saw the most growth last year, predominantly on Russian waterways and on the Douro in Portugal

Did you know?

On every Viking river cruise, everything you need is included Inspiring destinations. Exciting excursions. Beautiful ships. Fabulous food. Warm service. Worldwide awards. Your Viking journey is defined by all these things, and something else too. Great value for money. From onboard gratuities to onshore excursions, there are a host of ‘extras’ that won’t cost you a penny more. We call it Viking Value. You’ll call it brilliant.

RETURN FLIGHTS FROM THE UK Fly from London and, on selected cruises, from a choice of regional airports at no extra cost. Also included are overseas transfers to and from your ship.

A CHOICE OF STATEROOMS AND SUITES Our staterooms offer all the amenities of a first-class hotel. All staterooms are outside with a view, like the French Balcony stateroom above.

ONBOARD GRATUITIES Viking is renowned for its exceptional service, so it’s reassuring to know that on every cruise, your onboard gratuities are taken care of.

Call now on 020 8780 7985 or visit madefortrade.com

FREE WI-FI ON BOARD Stay online on board and stay connected to friends and family.

EXPERT GUIDED EXCURSIONS Explore the places you visit with a free excursion almost every day, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and unique cultural experiences.

ALL ONBOARD MEALS Relax in the warm ambiance of the elegant restaurant. Alternatively, dine alfresco on The Aquavit Terrace.

TEA, COFFEE AND SNACKS ANYTIME ONBOARD Help yourself to a hot drink and delicious pastry or homemade cookie. Always delicious, always tempting. And always available.

QUALITY WINE, BEER AND SOFT DRINKS What could be nicer than a lovely glass of wine with your meal? How about another lovely glass of wine.

ONBOARD DISCOVERIES From cooking classes, fascinating talks and demonstrations during the day, to relaxed entertainment in the evening.

PORTS OF CALL

Vienna

Anthony Pearce profiles the Austrian capital, which boasts an abundance of culture and classic architecture With its plentiful art and culture, manicured parks, efficient public transport and mix of old and new architecture, Vienna is a one of Europe’s most remarkable cities: grand, elegant, clean and easy-going. Although Budapest, with its iconic Chain Bridge and elevated palace, is perhaps the highlight of any Danube cruise, the Austrian capital is a special place, home to monumental baroque masterpieces and striking examples of new architecture. Either preceding or following Austria’s remarkable, sun-kissed Wachau Valley, depending on the direction of travel, Vienna is a city worth exploring in depth. As itineraries don’t tend to include overnights, many will plan to return – on eastbound itineraries it’s very easy to head back from Budapest, just two hours 40 minutes on the train,

and clients can fly home from the well-connected Vienna International Airport, which is served by a number of direct flights from the UK and just 16 minutes from Wien Mitte (the city centre) by train. Vienna is a manageable size with an excellent public transport network, made up of the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn (tram) and Autobus (bus). Most cruise ships dock at Reichsbrücke. On a recent visit, rather than take a daytime excursion, we opted to explore the city alone and took the U-Bahn from here to Stephansplatz, next to St Stephen’s Cathedral, a towering Gothic wonder. The city still feels like the political and cultural centre of a mighty empire, a position it held for centuries. It is dominated by grand imperial palaces, strictly

©WienTourismus / Lois Lammerhuber 16 © WienTourismus / Christian Stemper

maintained royal gardens and statues of serious-looking men on horses. The historic centre, a Unesco World Heritage site, covers three square kilometres, of which 82,000 square metres is pedestrianised, so it’s best enjoyed on foot: most cruise lines will include a walking tour of the city, which takes in most of its famous architecture. There are more than 50 preserved Baroque palaces, churches and landmarks in the city, such as the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces (two more popular excursions). The latter is breathtaking and houses one of Austria’s most valuable art collections, with works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. Perhaps even more impressive are the beautifully arranged Baroque gardens. There are many splendid parks in the city, such as the immaculate Volksgarten, in the Innere Stadt or first district of Vienna and part of the Hofburg Palace. In fact, more than half of Vienna’s metropolitan area is made up of green space; there are 120 square metres of green space per resident. As Vienna is the spiritual home of classical music, many cruise lines will treat guests to a special concert – included in the price by the luxury lines or added extra from others. On a trip with Scenic, we enjoyed a private concert of Viennese classical music at the opulent Palais Lichenstein. In front of just a few hundred guests, a small ensemble expertly made their way through compositions by Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven, at one point accompanied by majestic ballet dancers.

Culturally, it’s not just classical music for which Vienna is famous, of course. With more than 100 museums and more than 140 art galleries, Vienna is one of Europe’s cultural powerhouses: an entire district, the MuseumsQuartier, is dedicated to culture and contains no fewer than nine institutions. Among these are the mumok – the Museum of Modern Art, containing works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Yoko Ono and Gerhard Richter;

Leopold Museum, which houses 42 paintings and 187 original graphics by Schiele; and the Kunsthalle Wien, which is known for its temporary exhibitions. The Vienna Pass includes free admission to more than 60 of Vienna’s most popular attractions, unlimited rides on the Vienna Sightseeing hop-on/hop-off buses, and a free guidebook to all attractions and bus routes, also available for download and as an app, and is well worth seeking out.

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RIVERFOCUS

Mississippi Ol’ Man River, among the longest in the USA, is the country’s lifeblood and inextricably linked to its history. It’s also perfect for river cruise, says Emily Eastman Iconic, meandering, and flowing through or along ten American states, from northern Minnesota to Louisiana, the mighty Mississippi has long been the lifeblood of the United States’ Midwest and South. Its history touches on trade and development, sustenance and transportation and, of course, slavery and hardship. Today, tourism makes a crucial contribution to its economy. River cruise itineraries along the Mississippi offer cultural

and historical intrigue, plus a taste of the true South: picture vast sugar-cane plantations, antebellum architecture and Civil War battlefields. Most itineraries call at New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee. In the former, guests can immerse themselves in the heady sounds of live jazz, learn how Creole culture came about, discover the true history of voodoo, explore the pretty French Quarter and dine on powdery sugar-stacked

beignets. In the latter, they can savour the flavours of smoky pulled pork and Memphis-style dry-rub ribs, tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland and lose track of time in the lively historic district – the site of some of the city’s most infamous events and home to the excellent National Civil Rights Museum. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s eclectic capital, more than 300 years of history can be soaked up through the cuisine, architecture and Plantation Country. Upriver

is St Francisville, where guests can enjoy some of Louisiana’s most remarkable vistas, featuring waterfalls, ravines and woodland; Natchez, promising southern home cooking, vibrant nightlife and historic walking trails; and Vicksburg, western Mississippi, dubbed ‘The Key to the South’ and home to the Lower Mississippi River Museum, which shares the history of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and houses the MV Mississippi IV, a dry-docked research vessel. Further north and appearing on Upper Mississippi itineraries (available between June and October) is St Louis, Missouri, a hub of art, sports, live music, gastronomy and theatre. From here, guests can take a cruise to Ottawa, Illinois, the riverside gateway to Chicago. Chattanooga, Tennessee, also features on some itineraries. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and situated on the Tennessee River – which joins the Ohio river approximately 30 miles east of where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet – Chattanooga boasts sweeping views, sandstone formations and picturesque gardens. Point Park atop Lookout Mountain marks the site of a Civil War battle. With so much to see along the Mississippi, it is little wonder that the river is rapidly growing as a cruise destination, and increasing numbers of operators are taking to its expansive waters. American Queen Steamboat Company is one of the most popular among guests wanting an authentic experience aboard a paddlewheeler. To meet rising demand, the operator boosted its fleet in

spring 2017, launching the 166-passenger American Duchess to join American Queen on the Mississippi waterways. In 2018, it signed a deal to build its fourth paddlewheeler. American Cruise Lines offers itineraries on both the Upper

and Lower Mississippi aboard its contemporary-style riverboats – including the October 2018-launched American Song and its recently introduced sister ship, American Harmony – and paddlewheeler, America, which joined the fleet in spring 2016.

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SOUTHERN COMFORTS

Viking Cruises has also thrown its hat into the ring. In January, Viking reached an agreement with the city of Hannibal, Missouri to guarantee a docking port following longrunning on-again, off-again attempts to enter the Mississippi

21 CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

cruise market. The news comes at a time when the existing Mississippi operators are ramping up their fleets and itineraries to meet high demand – which is, of course, good news for operators, agents and cruise-goers alike.

America’s Deep South is a region like no other. Historically one of the poorest areas in the United States, it also boasts one of its richest cultures, and cruising is an ideal way to experience it all. Having spent two days soaking up the music, cocktails and good times of New Orleans, we boarded American Queen – the biggest paddlesteamer on the Mississippi. The public areas are incredible – from the Mark Twain gallery to the Ladies’ Parlour, and the Grand Saloon theatre modelled on Ford’s Theatre (where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated). The whole ship has an old-world charm that suited our journey through Southern plantations, Civil War sites and on up to Memphis. The itinerary included a stop at Oak Alley Plantation – built in the 1830s and the epitome of antebellum extravagance. However, as our guide rightly reminded us, the wealth must be put into the context in which it was created. To reinforce this, rickety reproduction slave quarters stand at the back of the gardens, the names of longdead slaves written on the walls. The main house itself was built using Mississippi mud, taken from the river banks by the slaves themselves. The tour was included in the price of the cruise. At every stop there were excursions available for those who didn’t wish to part with extra cash. As American Queen continued up the Mississippi to towns that all played a part in the Civil War, we learnt about these former Confederacy strongholds that were brought to their knees by the occupying Union armies. The ship’s final stop was Memphis, home to Graceland and Sun Studio, which launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. We took advantage of the free bus service between Sun Studio, the brilliantly absurd Graceland and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

SWED EN

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Sea

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Ankara

• Marketing support including overbranding opportunities and advertising collaborations

• 24- hour tea and coffee station

• Competitive commission rates

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Agent rewards scheme

• Accommodation on board our award winning fleet in spacious and beautiful appointed Suites or cabins with river views

• Latest offers, posters and trade incentives. Email: agency.sales@ fredrivercruises.co.uk

• Optional Excursions to allow your clients to tailor their cruise to suit them • No single supplements on selected sailings

Departs March - November 2020

T URKEY

GREECE

• Gourmet dining with wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner

• Services of an experienced cruise director

M ACED ONIA

AGENT BENEFITS:

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BULGARIA

• UK trade and marketing support team

• Return flights

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NIGHTS

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N E T H E R L AN D S

Flight inclusive price from £1,269pp Solo price from £1,399

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Baltic

Hoorn Ijsselmeer lake Amsterdam Rotterdam Utrecht Middelburg Kinderdijk Arnhem

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Departs March - November 2020

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T&Cs apply

RHINE, MAIN & MOSELLE • DANUBE • RHÔNE & SAÔNE SEINE • DUTCH & BELGIAN WATERWAYS

For Reservations Call 0800 035 6411 www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk | sales@amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk www.facebook.com/amadeusrivercruisestrade/

Departs April - November 2020 Flight inclusive price from £1,219pp Solo price from £1,359

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Lead in fares are based on 2 adults sharing/solo occupancy of the lowest available River View cabin on selected dates in 2020. Excursions are additional. Prices correct at time of print, subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Early booking discount valid until 30.11.19.

MONEY

Budgeting for a river cruise Whatever your clients’ budgets, there’s a river cruise to suit. Here are affordable, expensive and extravagant options for four of Europe’s most popular river routes

Rhône A cruise along the Rhône takes in some of the most beautiful and well-preserved landscapes in the south of France, plus iconic cities such as Arles, Avignon and Lyon. Guests can discover medieval architecture, explore storied towns and sample some of the best wines in the world.

Affordable

Expensive

Extravagant

Company: CroisiEurope Itinerary: Round trip from Lyon, taking in Arles, Avignon, Viviers and Tain l’Hermitage Duration: Five days Price: £833pp Departure: June 8, 2019

Company: Avalon Waterways Itinerary: Lyon to Arles, calling at Tain l’Hermitage, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon and Port-Saint-Louis Duration: Eight days Price: From £2,205pp Departure: July 2, 2019

Company: Uniworld Itinerary: Avignon to Lyon, taking in Burgundy and Provence regions Duration: Eight days Price: £3,699pp Departure: May 26, 2019

What’s included? • All meals and drinks • Welcome cocktail at the gala evening • Wi-fi in lounge and bar • Headsets for excursions • Official welcome from the captain and crew • On-board activities • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance • All port fees

What’s included? • VIP private home pick-up service • Flights • Transfers • Services of a cruise director • Selected meals • Wine and beer with lunch and dinner • Excursions • Gratuities on cruise • All airport and port taxes

What’s included? • All meals on board • Unlimited beverages • Wi-fi • Captain’s welcome and farewell gala dinners • Excursions hosted by Englishspeaking local guides • Headsets on all excursions • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Rhine Western Europe’s second-longest river flows through dramatic valleys, past historic towns and via fairytale villages, taking in a region stretching from Switzerland to the Netherlands. Just around the riverbend, vibrant cities and natural beauty await.

Affordable

Expensive

Extravagant

Company: Shearings Itinerary: Starting on the Eurostar in London, the cruise embarks in Cologne, taking in Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim and Mainz before returning to London via the Eurostar Duration: Eight days Price: From £919pp based on two people sharing Departure: May 15, 2019

Company: Viking Cruises Itinerary: Budapest to Amsterdam, cruising via Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Koblenz, Cologne and Kinderdijk Duration: 15 days Price: £2,795pp Departure: July 11, 2019

Company: Scenic Itinerary: Amsterdam to Basel, calling at Antwerp, Veere, Arnhem, Maastricht, Xanten, Koblenz, Cochem, Moselle Valley, Bernkastel, Rhine Gorge, Mannheim, Strasbourg and Breisach Duration: 15 days Price: £4,645pp Departure: July 22, 2019

What’s included? • Return flights from London and up to 14 regional airports • River-view stateroom • All on-board meals • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Wi-fi • Speciality tea and coffee any time on board • An included shore excursion in almost every port • No corkage fee • Evening entertainment • Gratuities

What’s included? • All meals • Beverages • Excursions • Return flights and transfers • Wi-fi • Porterage • Port charges and taxes

What’s included? • Eurostar services (guests can choose to fly or travel by coach, if preferred) • Wine, beer and soft drinks • Transfer to Heidelberg, where guests can explore the city’s sights at their leisure • Excursion to Obernai and Mont Sainte Odile

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Danube Traverse the River Danube as it ebbs through some of Europe’s most alluring countries – including the capital cities Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade – and onwards, through charming villages and stunningly beautiful scenery.

Affordable

Expensive

Extravagant

Company: Riviera Itinerary: Round trip from Prague, taking in Vienna, Bohemia and the Danube Valley Duration: Eight days Price: £959pp Departure: October 18, 2019

Company: Emerald Waterways Itinerary: Budapest to Munich, calling at Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg Duration: Eight days Price: £2,595pp Departure: July 26, 2019

Company: Crystal Itinerary: Vienna to Budapest, calling at Krems, Spitz, Linz, Melk and Bratislava Duration: Seven nights Price: £4,455pp Departure: May 13, 2019

What’s included? • Return flights, transfers and airport taxes • Breakfast and three dinners • Guided tours of Cesky Crumlov Castle and Vienna • Two sightseeing tours of Prague • Guided visit of Melk Abbey • Visit to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna • Entrance to Durnstein Basilica • Entrance and tour of Budvar Brewery • Guided tour and visit of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace • Services of a Riviera tour manager

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

What’s included? • Airport transfers to and from the ship • Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners • Captain’s welcome and farewell gala dinner • Wine, beer and soft drinks • The services of an Emerald Waterways cruise director • Port taxes and charges • All tipping and gratuities • Guided tours of Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest • Melk Abbey tour

What’s included? • Fine wines, Champagne, premium spirits and speciality coffees • Michelin-inspired cuisine and 24-hour in-suite dining • Speciality dining • Entertainment and enrichment programmes • Unlimited wi-fi access • Pre-paid gratuities • Complimentary Crystal Collection of curated destination experiences

Seine Exceptional vistas, captivating architectural heritage, historic grandeur and breathtaking landscapes: Seine cruises reveal to passengers the very best of France. Sit back and admire the changing landscapes as your boat sails from the capital to charming destinations.

Affordable

Expensive

Extravagant

Company: CroisiEurope Itinerary: Round trip from Paris via Les Andelys, Honfleur, Duclair and Rouen Duration: Six days Price: £791pp Departure: August 5, 2019

Company: AmaWaterways Itinerary: Paris and Normandy, calling at Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon and Conflans Duration: Eight days Price: £2,803pp Departure: October 17, 2019

Company: Uniworld Itinerary: Round trip from Paris, visiting La Roche-Guyon, Rouen and Versailles Duration: Eight days Price: £2,999pp Departure: December 20, 2020

What’s included? • All meals and drinks included with meals and at the bar • Welcome cocktail • Refined French cuisine • Gala dinner and evening • Free wi-fi in lounge and bar • Headsets for excursions • Official welcome from the captain and crew • On-board activities • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance • All port fees

What’s included? • On-board dining • Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner • Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Unlimited sparkling wine with breakfast • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge • Wellness programme • Wi-fi • Entertainment including cultural performances • Tours in every destination with knowledgeable guides • Personal headsets for excursions • Bike tours and hikes

What’s included? • All meals on board • Captain’s welcome and farewell receptions and gala dinners • Unlimited beverages on board • Six days of excursions, all hosted by English-speaking local experts • Personal headsets for excursions • Use of Nordic walking sticks

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly® ANCE

WIN A CH

N ERICA XT AM TRIP! E N E TH AM ENT F CE ON A PLA E LINES AG .. lus. HOP CRUIS

VE2S 10 LO WITH £ N R † EA HER VOUC BOOKING EACH

Our Ships

Gracious Hospitality

The newest and most environmentally friendly small cruise ships and riverboats in America.

Attentive and personalised service is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines with Gratuities included

Private Balconies

Daily Entertainment

Sliding glass doors lead to spacious private balconies offering panoramic river views from every angle.

Musicians, historians, and naturalists join every cruise, creating an entertaining onboard experience.

Exquisite Cuisine

All-American Experience

Locally sourced and regionally inspired cuisine, prepared by our master chefs.

American built, flagged, and crewed ships.

With over 35 itineraries visiting 30 states, American Cruise Lines travels along the legendary rivers and scenic coastal inland waterways of New England, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and the Mississippi River system. AGENT BENEFITS: UK based friendly Reservations Team • UK trade and marketing support team • Excellent commission rates and possible override for exceeding targets • Marketing support including overbranding opportunities and advertising collaborations • Flexible pricing offering cruise only, flight inclusive and land tours • Group opportunities – bespoke flyers for you to mail to your database • Agent training • Fam trip opportunities • Agent rewards scheme • Latest offers, posters and trade incentives

agency.sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk

Early Bird Discount! SAVE UP TO £650 PER STATEROOM

Spacious Amenities

Complimentary

The largest staterooms of any cruise ship. And with interior entrances, every view is entirely private.

Evening cocktail hours, pre-cruise hotel stays, and exciting featured shore excursions on select cruises.

Book your customers cruise 9 months in advance

For reservations call 0800 035 0237

sales@americancruiselines.co.uk www.fredrivercruises.co.uk/american-cruise-lines www.facebook.com/groups/fredrivercruises/

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† Bookings made from 1st April 2019 until Independence Day 2019 will be entered into a prize draw for your chance to win a place on the next American Cruise Lines agent Fam trip!

CRYSTAL WHERE LUXURY IS PERSONAL

GRAND EUROPE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST | RMH190808-16 CRYSTAL MAHLER | 8 AUGUST 2019 | 16 NIGHTS A AMSTE ERDAM Rhine River

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FRANCE

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POLAND

Miltenberg Würzburg Bamb mberg

Danube River

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CRUISE ONLY FARES

Michael Dupont

Head of Sales Tel: 07921 949469 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Natalie Read

Nan Short

Fares from £5,384 per person

Hightlights: Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Koblenz, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg (overnight), Passau, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna (overnight), Bratislava, Budapest (overnight).

Jon Schoﬁeld Regional Sales Manager North & Scotland Tel: 07841 921533 jon@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Regional Sales Manager South Tel: 07896 971316 natalieread@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Representative Northern Ireland & Eire Tel: 02890 642252 nanshort@btopenworld.com

Megan Saunders

Trade Sales Support Executive Tel: 020 7399 7602 megan@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

CRYSTAL CRUISES – VOTED WORLD’S BEST MORE THAN ANY OTHER CRUISE LINE, HOTEL OR RESORT IN HISTORY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL:

020 7399 7604

www.crystalcruises.co.uk

ABTA No.V8548

Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on solo occupancy in the specified stateroom grade and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 7604 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2019 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.